A week later, John was visiting and he and I were sitting in the living room talking. John suddenly seemed to hesitate and stumble over his words.

"Uh, Ashleigh? Uh.. What would you. well. Would you object to me talking to your dad about a relationship. between you and I?"

I was stunned. I sat in shocked silence for a minute or two before catching my breath. I had a million thoughts running through my head. Um, what did he just ask? Is he serious? There's

On our drive home from the evening church service, I told my mom about the new Marine at church that day.

"Yes, I saw him too. What is his name? You know, I think I know who he is."

"His name is John. Do we know him?" I was puzzled.

"Yes, it's him. Remember the 'young Marine guy'-the one Dad met a few years ago?"

It clicked. "Yes!" I laughed. "He's

Soon I found myself broken before the Lord, as well as my parents, and for the first time in years, I saw myself as I really was-a sinner saved by grace. My heart was no better as a conservative, homeschooling girl than anybody else. The summer I was 16 was a turning point in my life. For the first time, I could walk with the Lord without such pride and pretense. God gave me a new respect and compassion for others in place of the condemnation I'd so readily bestowed on fellow Christians.

Written on the date of their third wedding anniversary

On June 26, 2004, we became man and wife.This weekend, we've found ourselves laughing and remembering some of our craziest moments… white water kayaking in Alaska on our honeymoon, camping in our little tent during a huge thunderstorm in Montana (why pay for hotel rooms when you can camp as you drive across country?!), hiking on early mornings in the desert-which we've done since the first official day of our relationship,

I started working at the snack bar. There was a guy that came every weekend and he always talked to me. I didn't pay much attention to him for the first 9 months. After 10 months he was at the same wedding as me and kept asking me to dance with him at the reception. I wouldn't do it. When work started up again he got a job there. I realized I didn't even know his name.

He started asking me for my number but I wouldn't give it to him. He asked me probably ten times with me refusing every time until he stopped

"I suppose you'll be wanting to turn in as there are several hours difference in the time zones," he suggested to her. His eyes returned to his papers and when she rose to escape he halted her.

"Before you go, there are a few rules I would like to establish - as well as some of the duties that will be expected of you."

She nodded, only wishing to escape to a private place where she could maraud over her thoughts. She had never been this miserable in her

She relaxed as Quint told him, "Why, yes if - if things could be worked out so that Larry could stay with me, I'd appreciate that."

"Absolutely not, no! Sorry, Quint, but Larry will have to stay here. I can't be banging on the bunkhouse door just because it suits you," he drawled while Lace silently panicked, her face going pale.

Uncle was sending her a discreet warning look but she didn't care anymore. Promise or no promise, she wasn't going to be separated from him.

Lace studied her reflection in the cracked oval mirror - a mirror that had no business being hung, especially in the kitchen.

"Uncle Quint, this isn't going to work!" she futilely protested, dismantling the oversized cowboy hat. Golden tendrils spilled onto slim shoulders as she glared at her uncle who was across the room.

Quint was casually leaning against the white enamel kitchen sink, a piece of straw dangling loosely from his firm full lips. At her outburst the

Knowing my husband's family adds a welcome third dimension to our marriage

I have a confession to make- I like my in-laws. Since that disqualifies me from ever starring in a television sitcom based on my marriage, I'll make another startling revelation: my husband likes his in-laws too. Call us weird, but Mark and I don't suffer from the Dueling Mother-in-Law Syndrome that has fueled decades of prime-time comedies. In fact, the relationship we share with our in-laws actually enriches our marriage.

Thomas carried Yuri along the beach her face against his. Their foreheads touched fondly.

" Why didn't you tell me?" Thomas asked, watching her black hair blow around her.

" I'm sorry, Thomas." Yuri whispered. Her voice was tired and soft, and she felt tears slide silently down her cheeks." I don't want to die, Thomas."

Thomas lay Yuri down carefully and sat down next to her on a large rock. Her skirt fluttered around her feet and the sun blinded her slightly